P-EBT Info

P-EBT

P-EBT is a federal program that gives eligible families food benefits to replace meals lost at child care or school due to the pandemic. Beginning in School Year (SY) 2019–20, Congress authorized the issuance of funds to families of eligible children under the P–EBT program. P–EBT cards were issued for SY 2019–20, 2020–21, and cards will be issued for SY 2021–22 beginning in September 2022 (pending U.S. Department of Agriculture approval).

Eligibility

Younger Children

Young children are eligible for P-EBT 3.0 if between August 2021 and August 2022 they were:

  • Under 6 years old; and
  • Part of a household getting CalFresh Food benefits.

School Age Children

School-age children are eligible for P-EBT 3.0 if they were:

  • Enrolled at a school for school year 2021–22 that participated in the federal School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program; and
  • Eligible to get free or reduced-price meals for school year 2021–22; and
  • Attended school via Independent Study (California's version of virtual learning) or had at least five excused absences in a month.

Where to Apply

You DO NOT need to apply. P–EBT cards are automatically sent to eligible families based on information from other programs, including CalFresh Food benefits and free or reduced-price school meals. You can apply for CalFresh Food benefits at GetCalfresh.org

For more info, see the P-EBT webpage linked here or call the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677 (Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.)